LEED v4.1 EPD Roadmap for Turkish Marble Producer: 2027-2028 Environmental Product Declaration Targets

Managed by USGBC (US Green Building Council), LEED is the most widely used building certification system in the world. LEED v4.1, released in April 2019 as the current version, covers Building Design and Construction (BD+C), Interior Design and Construction (ID+C), Building Operations and Maintenance (O+M), Neighborhood Development (ND), and Homes rating systems.

The EPD credit (MRc Environmental Product Declarations) located under the Materials and Resources (MR) category serves as a product selection criterion for projects targeting LEED certification points. The credit offers a three-tier evaluation: Option 1 — Product-Specific Type III EPD (ISO 14025-compliant, product-specific Type III EPD yields 1 full credit point; third-party verification is mandatory); Option 2 — Industry-Wide Generic EPD (sector-wide generic EPD provides 0.5 credit points; not product-specific, category-average declaration); Option 3 — Improved product declaration (enhanced sectoral environmental performance declaration; credit documentation is evaluated project-specifically).

A typical LEED v4.1 BD+C project target: earning the MR credit through 20 different EPD-covered products, of which at least 5-10 hold declarations. Marble facade, marble interior surfaces, and marble landmark statement zone EPD support is actively queried by spec-driven architects. Source confidence score: High (USGBC LEED v4.1 Reference Guide, official credit documentation).

For the marble producer, the USGBC LEED v4.1 EPD credit carries three strategic implications: (1) reference data in architect sourcing decisions; (2) recognition advantage in competitive positioning; (3) long-term customer trust infrastructure. EPD is not mandatory; however, it is preferred in LEED-targeted projects.

ISO 14025:2006, titled 'Environmental Labels and Declarations — Type III Environmental Declarations — Principles and Procedures,' is the international standard defining LCA-based methodology for Type III environmental declarations. The standard rests on three principles: Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)-based — using ISO 14040 and ISO 14044 methodology, the product's cradle-to-gate or cradle-to-grave environmental impact profile is calculated (carbon emissions, water consumption, land use, ozone depletion potential, and resource depletion are characterized); Program Operator coordination — EPDs are developed within the framework of a program operator (e.g., International EPD System, IBU, EPD Norge, Bau EPD), for Turkish marble producers, primary European operators serve as the shared reference standard; third-party verification — an independent accredited body verifies EPD content, publication is not possible without this verification, the verifier list is maintained by the program operator.

An ISO 14025 EPD typically carries a five-year validity period. At the end of that period, if there is no change in the product process, renewal follows; if there is change, a new LCA plus verification process is initiated. For Turkish marble producers, the ISO 14025 EPD strategic time horizon aligns to 2027 preparation, 2028 publication, and 2033 renewal.

Program operator selection is a decision point for Turkish marble producers: (a) International EPD System (Sweden-based, global reference); (b) IBU (Institut Bauen und Umwelt, German, EU-focused); (c) The Norwegian EPD Foundation (Norway-based, strong Nordic presence). For the US market and LEED submittal, US NRMCA and Underwriters Laboratories (UL) also appear in the program operator directory. Sipahi Mermer is evaluating the International EPD System or IBU program operator axis for 2027-2028 EPD preparation.

EN 15804:2019+A2:2022, titled 'Sustainability of construction works — Environmental product declarations — Core rules for the product category of construction products,' is the European standard providing the harmonized framework for construction product EPDs. The standard defines the following core elements: system boundaries — cradle-to-gate (A1-A3, product stage), cradle-to-grave (A1-C4, full life cycle), or modular (A1-A3, A4-A5, B1-B7, C1-C4, D) assessment; characterization factors — carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2 eq), acidification potential, eutrophication potential, ozone depletion potential, photochemical ozone formation, primary energy demand; declared unit and functional unit — for example, 1 m² of marble facade cladding panel, or 1 kg of marble product; Product Category Rules (PCR) — the reference document defining EPD production rules for a specific product category.

EN 15804 EPDs are produced within the ISO 14025 framework but provide harmonized rules specific to the European construction market. Turkish marble producers gain both EU market access and US LEED submittal reference capacity through an EN 15804-compliant EPD.

Product Category Rule (PCR) is the reference document that defines EPD production rules for a specific product category. For marble and natural stone, the leading European reference PCR frameworks are developed under the 'Natural Stone Products' heading. PCR characterizes specific quarry sources, processes (cutting, polishing, surface finishing), thickness ranges, and finish variations to ensure EPD comparability. İMİB and TÜMMER coordinate the PCR alignment process for the Turkish sector.

Evaluation of the reference PCR document for Turkish marble progressed during 2020-2025. As of 2026, the sector has defined the PCR alignment pathway; each producer applies PCR according to its own quarry profile, production process, and finished product variation. Sipahi Mermer will run PCR alignment in parallel with its 2027 LCA study.

The Turkish marble sector is in a growth phase within the EPD ecosystem as of 2026. Sector positioning can be evaluated along three axes: İMİB and TÜMMER coordination — Istanbul Mineral and Metals Exporters' Association (İMİB) and Turkish Natural Stone Producers and Exporters Association (TÜMMER) coordinate the PCR alignment work, LCA working group formation, and pilot producer EPD projects (during 2020-2025, selected producers exporting to the European market began EPD preparation); pilot producer EPD projects — a limited number of producers in the Turkish marble sector currently hold EPDs (to be verified before publication; the definitive list is confirmed through İMİB or program operator directory), these producers are typically located in the İzmir, Muğla, and Antalya regions, which have high European marble export volume (source confidence score: Medium — İMİB public bulletins, program operator directory); sector-wide EPD prevalence — compared with total Turkish marble sector production volume, the ratio of EPD-certified producers remains in the single-digit percentage range (this condition positions the field as a sector-wide opportunity; rapid growth in EPD adoption is forecast for 2027-2030).

The Turkish marble sector's EPD challenges include: (1) LCA data collection infrastructure (producer-level energy consumption, source quarry transport, production waste data); (2) engineering and quality team capacity for PCR alignment documentation; (3) third-party verification cost (typically between 15-30K USD, depending on program operator and product complexity); (4) 5-year renewal discipline commitment. These challenges are being addressed at the sector level through İMİB coordination.

Sipahi Mermer advances its 2027 EPD preparation plan under transparent disclosure at every stage, taking these ecosystem conditions into account.

Sipahi Mermer shares its EPD targets under open disclosure. Current status: EPD certification has not yet been obtained. Position: 'not yet — roadmap.' No false claim. The roadmap consists of the following stages.

2026 Q4 — Preparation stage: reference PCR document evaluation via İMİB coordination; program operator selection analysis (International EPD System vs IBU); production facility energy and resource data collection infrastructure preparation; sustainability disclosure page update (existing site presents marble quarry, production, and quality documentation).

2027 Q1-Q2 — LCA study: contract with independent LCA consulting firm; cradle-to-gate LCA (quarry → factory → product) data collection; documentation of source quarry transport distances, energy mix, and production waste flow; product category definition (cladding panel, interior slab, cut-to-size project).

2027 Q3-Q4 — PCR alignment plus third-party verification preparation: PCR alignment documentation preparation (shaping LCA data within the product category rules framework); EPD template coordination with the program operator; third-party verifier selection and pre-audit.

2028 Q1-Q2 — EPD publication: third-party verification completion; EPD publication on the program operator platform; ISO 14025 plus EN 15804-compliant Type III EPD, 5-year validity period.

2028 Q3-Q4 — LEED submittal support integration: EPD documentation package for the US B2B market; Trade Program architect-facing technical page integration; Coverings 2028 (subject to exhibitor evaluation) or alternative trade show presentation integration.

Sipahi Mermer was founded in 1989 by Bektaş Sipahi in Adapazarı; Chairman Adnan Sipahi laid the foundations of exports and corporate structure as the 2nd generation; Managing Director Berkay Sipahi runs the EPD roadmap and US B2B market expansion as the 3rd generation. The roadmap is disciplined and transparent; no false certification claim or greenwash positioning appears at any stage. İMİB Registry Number 336480 member status serves as the institutional trust layer of the roadmap.

The US architect LEED submittal process is the phase in which the project sustainability file is submitted to USGBC. During this process, the architect supports product selection decisions with EPD, HPD (Health Product Declaration), FSC (Forest Stewardship Council), and other sustainability documentation. LEED submittal support preparation for Turkish marble producers spans three axes: existing sustainability documentation (İMİB Registry documents, production facility location information, source quarry reference, TSE and TS EN quality documentation — TS EN 1469 Natural stone products Slabs for cladding, TS EN 12058 Natural stone products Slabs for floors and stairs — ISO 9001 quality management system documentation, ISO 14001 environmental management system documentation varies by producer); EPD roadmap transparent disclosure (sharing the 2027-2028 EPD target roadmap, 'not yet — roadmap' transparent position, roadmap transparency serves as a trust-building element in the architect's long-term project planning); California Prop 65 plus NSF/ANSI 373 plus ASTM reference (these documents are addressed in detail in Section 7).

Sipahi Mermer delivers its LEED submittal support package within the US Trade Program framework. The package includes: (1) product technical sheet (composition, thickness tolerance, source quarry, TS EN 1469 alignment); (2) EPD 2027-2028 roadmap disclosure page; (3) marble natural product positioning and California Prop 65 compliance statement; (4) NSF/ANSI 373 sustainability certification evaluation roadmap; (5) sample kit (cut-to-size sample ranging from 10x10 cm to 30x30 cm). This package is delivered to the architect within 5-8 business days along with the sample dispatch.

The LEED submittal support process shapes the long-term continuity of the architect-producer relationship. During 2027-2030, in parallel with sector-wide EPD adoption growth, submittal support capacity will position as the primary differentiator in architect sourcing decisions for Turkish marble.

Turkish marble producers must align with three main US regulatory frameworks for US market access.

California Proposition 65: The Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986 governs the warning requirements for products sold in California regarding certain chemicals known to cause cancer or reproductive harm. The list, containing approximately 900+ chemicals, is updated annually. Marble as a natural product typically does not contain listed chemicals; however, care is needed with resin fills (resinated marble), epoxy grouts, protective impregnants (silicone or fluoropolymer-based), and colored polymer compositions. Turkish marble producers should prepare a Prop 65 compliance statement for California sales; for natural marble in natural color, the typical position is 'no warning required'; for processed or composite products, a product-specific evaluation is required.

NSF/ANSI 373 — Sustainability Assessment for Natural Dimension Stone: The ANSI-approved sustainability standard for natural dimension stone. The standard offers evaluation under five categories — (1) product, (2) energy, (3) air, (4) water, and (5) resource management. Three-tier certification: Bronze, Silver, Gold. The certification process is conducted by an accredited certification body. For Turkish marble producers, NSF/ANSI 373 is an EPD-adjacent additional sustainability framework; it is accepted as an alternative reference in the US LEED submittal process.

ASTM standards: ASTM International develops technical standards for marble and natural stone — ASTM C170 (Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of Dimension Stone); ASTM C880 (Standard Test Method for Flexural Strength of Dimension Stone); ASTM C97 (Standard Test Methods for Absorption and Bulk Specific Gravity of Dimension Stone); ASTM C99 (Standard Test Method for Modulus of Rupture of Dimension Stone); ASTM C616 (Standard Specification for Quartz-Based Dimension Stone); ASTM C503 (Standard Specification for Marble Dimension Stone).

Turkish marble producers document ASTM standards compliance via test reports; the ASTM reference equivalents of TSE and TS EN quality reports are presented within the LEED submittal package. Sipahi Mermer prepares the quality test package under dual reference: TS EN 1469 plus ASTM C503; this is part of shared US and EU market documentation discipline.

For architects targeting USGBC LEED v4.1 EPD credits, the Turkish marble producer package offers evaluation across these three axes. Sipahi Mermer's 2027-2028 EPD roadmap positions as complementary to this framework; no false certification claim is made.